The Children, Families, Health & Care Select Committee of Hillingdon Council met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss health updates, the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the Cabinet Forward Plan. Key discussions included the launch of a new neurodevelopmental assessment service, SHINE, and the ongoing development of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2026-2031.

Health Updates

Andrea Shand, Service Director for CAMHS from Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), presented an update on the launch of SHINE (Specialist Hub for Integrated Neurodevelopmental Evaluation). This new service aims to streamline neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people by providing a single point of access, a unified waiting list, and integrated assessments for autism and ADHD. SHINE was launched on 3 August 2026 and has already seen an increase in capacity, with an anticipated reduction in wait times from 12-24 months to 6-12 months. The service is digitally integrated, collecting pre-assessment information electronically and conducting assessments in a single appointment. While the service focuses on diagnosis, any co-morbid mental health needs will be managed by existing core services, such as Hillingdon CAMHS.

Updates were also provided on the performance of various health providers. The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reported progress in reducing long waiting lists for treatment, particularly in cardiology and cardiac surgery, although challenges remain. Harefield Hospital has seen a significant increase in cardiothoracic transplants and is investing in new technology for lung transplantation. The hospital is also implementing a new Da Vinci D5 thoracic surgical robot for lung cancer resections and has secured funding for a new bronchoscopy suite. Ward closures have occurred as part of financial improvement plans, but with minimal impact on patient care. The clinical strategy for Harefield Hospital aims to establish it as an international leader in advanced heart and lung disease management.

The Confederation, Hillingdon CIC, provided an update on Children and Young People's (CYP) hubs and Integrated Paediatric Community Clinics (IPCC). These services, which have been long-standing but often run on a short-term contract basis, have been incorporated into a new Enhanced Services single offer. Existing hub locations at the Pembroke Centre and Civic Centre are being maintained, with plans to expand services across the borough. A renewed focus on Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) working has been implemented, bringing together various health and care professionals to discuss complex cases and ensure coordinated care for children and young people.

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2031

Keith Spencer, Managing Director of Hillingdon Health and Care Partners, and Sandra Taylor, Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health, presented the draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2026-2031. The strategy aims to improve health and wellbeing across Hillingdon by helping residents stay well for longer, reducing health inequalities, and making local services more accessible. It adopts a life-course approach, with priorities focused on Start Well (children and families), Live Well (working-age adults), Age Well (older people), and Healthy Places (housing and neighbourhoods).

The strategy addresses significant pressures facing Hillingdon, including a high prevalence of long-term health conditions, a substantial number of residents accounting for a large proportion of emergency hospital admissions, and increasing demand for children's mental health and SEND support. It proposes a new operating model based on three integrated neighbourhood teams, local access hubs, family hubs, a borough-wide reactive care service, and a new Hillingdon Hospital, all designed to provide care closer to home and create a more coordinated system for residents. The strategy also outlines priority programmes focusing on proactive and preventative care, cardiovascular risk management, mental health intervention, support for older adults, discharge improvement, and healthy childhood initiatives. Resident feedback highlighted the need for better service integration, timely access to urgent and mental health support, and clear accountability.

Cabinet Forward Plan

The Committee reviewed the Cabinet Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions to be taken by the Cabinet over the coming year. The plan includes items relevant to the Committee's remit, such as the Family Help Strategy, the Carers Strategy Update, and proposals regarding residential services for children with learning disabilities. The Committee noted its role in monitoring these items and providing comments as appropriate.

Work Programme

The Committee considered its work programme for the year, noting the scheduled meeting dates and the addition of an extra meeting in October 2026 to accommodate the volume of work. The Committee's role in making recommendations to the Cabinet for service changes and improvements was reiterated.